The Religious Responsibilities of the Rulers; Prophet PBUH as a Role Model

Abstract

ISLAM is the religion that emphases on the overall human life. It covers all aspects of the physical body, the soul or the spirit, the emotion and the intellect. The Almighty Allah has stated that, True believers those who, if we give them power in the land, establish regular prayer and give zakat, enjoin the right and forbid wrong.

That So, we can highlight from these directives of the holy Quran that the religious responsibilities of the Muslim rulers are that they protect the Divine bounds; defend the religion and invite the people to Allah by means of argument and good advice. A ruler is a trustee of the people and vicegerent of Allah. The ruler of a Muslim state has, among other things, to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. What could be right and wrong has been clearly identified in the Quran and sunnah. Some of the acts and behaviors identified which can be promoted more appropriately through positive measures like counselling, motivation, preaching, guidance, creation of appropriate environment, and other similar measures. The most effective of these measures could, however, be what is called exemplifying. It would mean that the ruler should do himself what is right and refrain from doing what is wrong and thereby set an example. Leading by exemplifying has deep psychological and substantial effect on others to follow and emulate. Therefore, the Seerah of the prophet PBUH is the best source for us in this regard.

However, it encompasses the efforts made to develop human-being or individual who is pure of heart, pure in mind and pure in deeds where he can function as a member of society, who is civilized and has a high self-esteem. An individual’s awareness towards one’s responsibilities and a high self-esteem can bring for a peaceful and harmonious nation. Thus, the establishment of the Islamic society base on the voice of development together with material values and humanity. Because of which, the role of leaders of Islamic society must be proactive in plotting the path of educational system of the nation based on piety and faith. As for the obligations of ruler in the light of Seerah, I shall refer to the principles which Al-Mawridi r.a has discussed:

The preservation of the Faith, true to its origin and in keeping with the consensus of those who participated in the founding of the Ummah, Defense of the Realm. He must carry out the Hadd punishments to ensure the limits prescribed by Allah and so that the rights of general public shall be protected. The other responsibilities are implementation of the principles of Islamic Law, governing disputes, The active propagation of the Faith, The collection of various taxes required by the Shariah, The provision of financial assistance and the assessment of claims against the Treasury, To be solicitous of the public confidence, and to consider fully the council of his advisors in their areas of responsibility, To actively oversee all aspects of government, and to keep himself well and widely informed. This paper thus discusses on the responsibilities of a ruler from the Seerah perspective.